CF Production

Hello,
I’m studying in my last year of mechanical engineering (well graduating in about 3 weeks!) and I was wondering if anybody here worked in the carbon fiber production industry (materials, not parts). I understand that quite a few process patents exist however I was inquiring as to the possibility of starting my own plant (with VC funding of course!!).
I know there is a huge shortage of CF in general due to a large increase in users (a380, boeing dreamliner, and the new ATF) and I think this could be a good way to make some money!
Where is the shortage? In manufacturing the Polyacrylonitrile fibers? or in making the actual weaves/string?
How expensive are these plants to produce? 10 mil? 30? 80?

Thanks!

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1320/
Take a look at this site and I think you will agree that this guy is the most knowledgeable on this subject. I think he would be the guy to answer all those questions. I can answer one part of it and that is that the shortage is due to the limited production of the carbon fiber strand. There are new plants being built that will open in 2007. I have been looking into the shortage and found out this much.

haha yeah everything I’ve learnt about CF production I’ve learnt from that guy, I’ll email him to find out.
thanks

I just E-mail him to join us on here from time to time…